Q&A: What Should I Do If I'm Exposed To The Chickenpox While Pregnant?

Help! I was exposed to the chickenpox while pregnant and contracted the virus. What should i do now?

First things first: call your doctor as soon as possible.You may be able to get an injection of an immune globulin product – basically ashot of antibodies that will help combat the virus – as long as you get itwithin the first 96 hours of being exposed to it. This shot can either helpreduce its severity or prevent the virus from developing altogether.

If it’s too late to get the injection, your doc may suggesttaking an oral antiviral drug, which will prevent the virus from becomingsevere, but also fight off its other complications – like pneumonia.